Advocacy Group Decries ‘risk’ of Lincoln Diocese Hiring Disgraced Bishop
By Michael O’Connor
An advocacy group for clergy abuse victims is raising concerns about the appointment of a retired bishop to a chaplain’s post in the Lincoln Diocese. Bishop Robert Finn, convicted in Missouri of not reporting suspected child abuse, has become chaplain at the School Sisters of Christ the King convent in Lincoln. David Clohessy, executive director of the national organization Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, said it is wrong for Finn to be serving in any ministry position. “In any church job, Finn may well again have the chance to report or conceal child sex crimes and repeat his offense,” Clohessy said. “Why take the risk?” Finn, who resigned in April as bishop of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph in Missouri, was found guilty in 2012 of one misdemeanor count of failure to report suspected abuse by a priest and was given two years’ probation. The case involved the Rev. Shawn Ratigan, who was removed from the priesthood and sentenced to 50 years in prison after pleading guilty to child pornography charges. Finn could not be reached for comment. JD Flynn, a spokesman for the Lincoln Diocese, said the diocese appointed Finn chaplain at the convent in December. In a statement Tuesday, the diocese called for Finn to “continue to be welcomed with mercy and charity.” The diocese recognizes the seriousness of Finn’s case, Flynn said, but Finn’s role in Lincoln does not involve any oversight or administrative authority. Finn celebrates Mass for the sisters and hears confessions, Flynn said. The diocese said Finn has undergone the background checks and youth protection trainings required of all priests, employees and volunteers in the diocese. Contact the writer: 402-444-1122, michael.o’connor@owh.com
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